Happy Newyear!!

Well although some people will say "It's to late" still all the best for 2008 to every reader!!

After my last trip to Mt Field (see previous message) things did go slightly different as expected. After having some problems with the waterhose of the radiator the head gasket of the car had blown just before Christmass. Little joke of $2700,- and no car during the time my brother was back in Tasmania. Nevertheless we were able to have some great time without the car.

So on Christmass Eve we stayed at home waiting for Santa's first drop of gifts. Just the ones that fitted in the glove compartment. On Christmass Day we went for a diner at the Howes family as they had invited us for it. The diner was nice and I can say almost traditional English with the Turkey :). Beside the diner we also played some Wii and now I can really imagine someone putting his hands in the fan during bowling. On Boxing Day we all (the Walkers and the Howes') at our place and said hi to Santa for the second time. Although he did shave this time and really looked a lot like my brother :). And Anne, she was nice to pay attention too as she was interested in every new gift that was unwrapped. Ah they are like that at this age.

On Friday we went to the Hobart Aquatic Centre for Anne's 1st time in a swimming pool and my god she did like it. The whole swimming pool did enjoy it, although she turned around a bit the longer we stayed. After having a drink in Hobart town we went home and lit up the BBQ for diner.

The next day we went back to Hobart to visit The Taste, a food and drinks festival where you could get almost everything for a fair price. From fish to icecream, from wine to juice. You could have a nice day eating all you want. Besides The Taste there was also the International Buskers Festival with some nice displays and was it the 2nd day of yacht arrivals from the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. The fastest 3 where already in. And if that's not all yet, there were also some water events for the Tasmanian Surf Patrol.

The Walkers did invite us for New Years Eve where we had another BBQ. It starts looking to be usual :). And of course we watch the fireworks which were a bit behind the Tasman Bridge. I know it wouldn't be that same as it is in England nor back home, but the amount of fireworks did dissapoint me a little bit. Where the sky is completly lit back home we had 10 minutes of display on just one location. But nevertheless I did celebrate it again with my brother and sister-in-law as that had been ages ago.

Well the car was broken just before Christmass and not ready before 2 January. So at the 3th we finaly could go and look for a new car. And damn we had a good deal. As the Landrover was valued at $6000,- before we did sell it for $8000,- (trade-in) and we left with a Ford Laser (5D HB). As Rob and Gerda already own a big rig (Mitsubishi Challenger) in Tumut (NSW) they don't need a second one. Well at least I can drive off again to see some of Tasmania.